The days are getting shorter. The temperatures are getting colder. You’re cuddled up in bed under your blankets feeling cozy as can be. Then your alarm goes off, blasting a motivational tune. If only that was enough to get your butt out of bed for your morning workout!

Everyone, from the gym newbie to the elite athlete, experiences a lack of motivation during the cold winter months. It’s way more appealing to either stay in bed, come home to the couch or cozy up in a lounge. Even though we are severely lacking motivation this time of year, it’s the perfect time to stay motivated and follow a workout routine! Before you know it, summer will be here, and your summer bod won’t be!

When the ice and snow thaws, you’ll want to be ready. But how can you stay motivated?

Try embracing the cold. I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but if you haven’t tried winter sports or activities, now’s the time! Try out skiing or snowboarding. Go ice skating with a friend or bundle up for a cold run. The cold will be invigorating and will tire you out quickly!

Time to go shopping! I mean, if you say so! Updating your workout wardrobe can help motivate you to get to the gym. When you look better at the gym, the workout just feels better, and you feel more confident. Now, don’t go crazy on the spending, but make sure your purchase is worthwhile. Spending some extra cash can also help motivate you – you don’t want the money and the new clothes to go to waste!

Slow and steady wins the race. It’s a busy time of year. If you’re struggling with a busy schedule on top of the winter blues, set goals that are reasonable. Maybe instead of setting aside a large chunk of time, keep moving throughout the day. Workout in shorter amounts of time.

Set a reasonable training goal. We often set lofty goals for our New Year’s Resolutions, but they are just too difficult to accomplish! Many times, they aren’t specific enough. Without a plan to get there, we end up falling off the wagon. If you don’t have a set goal or you’ve been slaking off, it’s time to get more focused. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or hit a new weight lifting PR (personal record), set a goal that involves a concrete accomplishment. It’s a great time to work on that one exercise that has been a little too difficult for you like an unassisted pull up or a new mile time.

Grab a buddy! Training with a friend is one of the best ways to increase accountability. Feeling the need to fulfill a commitment to train with someone is a very strong motivator. With a more set schedule, there will be no slacking off either! Your friend won’t let you! It will probably be a lot more fun for you, too.

Refresh your playlist. It’s time for some new music! Make some new workout playlists. Be sure to find some new material that you’re not familiar with for an energizing change.

Make a diet change. It’s far too easy to stay inside, cuddle up and eat rich foods. But with a bad diet, you’re very unlikely to see solid results even if you’re training hard!

Try a new workout! It’s the perfect time to try out a new workout that you’ve always seemed to avoid. Maybe you were nervous or scared, or maybe it just didn’t seem like your thing. You won’t know until you try! Trying something new will keep you from falling into a rut and getting bored. Whatever it is that might interest you, whether it’s CrossFit, Zumba, yoga, whatever, give it a shot!

Work with a trainer from Fitness Together! Our certified personal trainers will be happy to offer support and keep you motivated especially during these cold winter months. A trainer will keep you accountable, and you can just show up! We’ll do the rest!

Make the most of this tough time of year and you’ll no doubt see some great results by pool season!